As I write this, the sky outside my office is uncharacteristically grey for Colorado. We are certainly spoiled living in a state that has more than 300 days of sunshine and blue skies. It could be the gloomy weather, the ridiculously short days, or the fact that December doesn’t ever have enough days for all the seasonal celebrations it tends to hold. Whatever the reason, I find myself struggling at this time of year.
In my business, things tend to be quieter around this time, even though it is often the best time for serious buyers. Right now, available homes have been on the market for over 30 days and feel stagnant, even though interest rates dropped during the first few weeks of December, opening up opportunity for buyers. At the end of November, there were 20% fewer homes sold than one year ago, although median sales price did increase 3% year over year. After reporting appreciation that came in at over 20% consistently over the past two years, even the numbers that I have to share seem a little lack luster!
Rather than force a conversation about real estate in an environment that appears to be focused elsewhere, I am choosing to listen to the call of natural, seasonal rhythms. Rather than try and squeeze every drop of productivity and efficiency out of each short day, I am trying to settle more deeply into my own breath, to nourish my body with healthy food and movement and resist the urge to have a glass of wine at 4 p.m. every day because it is dark outside😉 (Just me?)
Soon I will be taking my annual hiatus to be with family in Sri Lanka over the holidays. Even after 30 years I feel giddy as the days get closer to me being HOME, and then I remember the long list of tasks that need to be crossed off before I leave and that panicky, anxious feeling returns. Friends, if you find yourself in a place of overwhelm during these busy weeks, where your breath is short, and your heart is racing, I invite you resist the urge to “push through”, to DO More, or BUY More. Instead, try tuning into the natural seasonal cadence that encourages us to REST, so we may step into the new year with energy and vitality!
Wishing everyone a peaceful, restorative holiday season!
Warmly,
Nilmini
